Greenland Dog

Other names: The Greenland, Kalaallit qimmiat (Qimmeq), Grønlandshund, Grünlandshund, Esquimaux Dog

Greenland Dog

The Greenland Dog is a large sled dog. They were brought from Siberia to North America over 1,000 years ago and were also used for hunting seals and polar bears. It’s closely related to the Siberian Husky and shares many of the same characteristics. The Greenland Dog is strong, loyal, and very confident. Nothing fazes this assured working dog. They require an equally confident and well-experienced handler. 

Key facts about the Greenland Dog

Life expectancy :

7

19

12

14

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

Access the rest of the content after the ad

Loading advertisement ...

Origins and history

The Greenland Dog has been hunting and living alongside humans for the last 2,000 years. They were bred from the working dogs and wolves of Northern Siberia. They were then taken to North America by the Thule tribes as they migrated across the globe. As well as hunting and tracking large land predators, they also pulled sleds over huge distances in sub-zero temperatures. Many still compete in sled trial competitions in Alaska and Siberia. They were first brought to UK shores in the 1850s. Owners began showing the Greenland in dog shows around 1870, and the first UK kennel club was established ten years later in 1880.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types

Section

Section 1 : Nordic Sledge Dogs

Physical characteristics of the Greenland Dog

Adult size

Female : Between 22 and 24 in

Male : Between 24 and 26 in

Weight

Female : Between 62 and 71 lb

Male : Between 62 and 71 lb

Coat colour

Type of coat

Eye colour

Brown

Description

A strong, compact dog with a thick neck and large head. Long, fluffy tail. A well-balanced and confident posture. Dense fur, especially around the chest and belly.

Good to know

Greenland Dogs can be very difficult to handle. Early training and socialisation is vital.

They tend to bark a lot. They also enjoy howling, and often late at night. They can jump really high. These dogs can easily leap over a four foot high fence.

Temperament

  • 66%

    Affectionate

    The Greenland Dog is an affectionate family pet, but they also need their own space. Don’t overwhelm them with too much attention. They’ll come and say hello when they’re ready for more strokes.

  • 66%

    Playful

    This dog is a real extrovert. They love playing, entertaining, and showing off to people. These high-energy dogs will play for hours.

  • 66%

    Calm

    Greenland dogs take quite a long time to mature. This means they can display puppy-like behaviour well into their early adulthood. Can become overwhelming and hyperactive if not handled correctly.

  • 66%

    Intelligent

    Exceptionally intelligent. This makes them easy to train in the right hands. These dogs have a low threshold for boredom; training needs to be challenging and well-structured.

  • 100%

    Hunter

    Although they’re mainly used for pulling sleds, the Greenland Dog is also a first rate hunter. They were once used to track seals and polar bears.

  • 33%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    A brave and assured animal. Nothing scares these confident dogs. They’re naturally curious and will rarely shy away from anyone. 

  • 100%

    Independent

    The Greenland Dog has a strong independent streak. They can come across as quite stubborn. Inexperienced owners will struggle to handle this willful animal. 

    Behaviour of the Greenland Dog

    • 66%

      Tolerates solitude

      These dogs have been living and working alongside humans for thousands of years. They need lots of company. Prolonged periods of solitude will frustrate this social animal.

    • 33%

      Easy to train / obedience

      This all depends on the quality and experience of the dog handler. Expert trainers will really enjoy training this smart dog. Inexperienced owners will struggle.

    • 100%

      Barking

      Greenland Dogs are well-known for being vocal. They’re big barkers and big howlers, although they tend to calm down as they start to mature.

    • 100%

      Tendency to run away

      A notorious escape artist. Make sure there’s no gaps in the garden fence. They’re also more than capable of jumping over smaller fencing.

    • 100%

      Destructive

      A frustrated or lonely Greenland Dog will quickly turn destructive. They also love to dig and bury bones. Proud gardeners will need to fence off their flower beds. 

    • 66%

      Greedy / Gluttony

      Not known for being greedy or gluttonous. They do have a large appetite, but this is normal for a big working dog.

    • 66%

      Guard dog

      Greenlands aren’t the best watch dogs. However, they make an excellent deterrent.

    • 33%

      First dog

      Inexperienced dog owners looking for a pet should explore some other options. The Greenland Dog requires a confident and firm handler. First-time owners will be quickly overwhelmed by this strong-willed animal.

      Access the rest of the content after the ad

      Loading advertisement ...

      Is the Greenland Dog right for you?

      take the test

      Lifestyle

      • 66%

        Greenland Dog in a flat

        A flat is too small for this big dog. They also need regular access to outdoor spaces. 

      • 100%

        Need for exercise / Sporty

        2 hours exercise every single day. Ideally, this should be split into two seperate walks - one in the morning, then one in the early evening. 

      • 33%

        Travelling / easy to transport

        Ok with short car journeys, but will struggle with longer road trips. Far too big to travel on trains or airplanes. 

        Compatibility

        • 33%

          Greenland Dog and cats

          Greenland Dogs don’t mix well with cats! In fact, it’s best to keep them well apart. 

        • 33%

          Greenland Dog and dogs

          Greenland dogs are pack animals. They get on really well with other dogs. 

        • 66%

          Greenland Dog and children

          A naturally playful animal that makes a perfect pet for families with older children. Greenland Dogs are too big and boisterous for families with toddlers. 

        • 33%

          Greenland Dog and the elderly

          Elderly people might feel overwhelmed by the Greenland Dog. The puppies can be quite hyperactive and tend to stay this way for their first few years. 

          %}

          Price

          The initial price of a Greenland Dog puppy will be between £700 to £900. With regards to the monthly budget required to meet the needs of a dog this size, you have to estimate an average of £55 per month.

          Grooming

          Requires brushing two to three times a week. 

          Shedding

          Heavy shedders during spring and autumn.

          Nutrition of the Greenland Dog

          4 cups of high-quality dog food split over two or three meals. 

          Health of the Greenland Dog

          Life expectancy

          A very healthy breed with an average life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.

          Strong / robust

          One of the toughest breeds of all. A strong, well-built dog with lots of stamina. 

          Withstand heat

          Greenland Dogs don’t support the heat very well. They were bred to live in sub-zero conditions. Hot temperatures will make them very uncomfortable. 

          Withstand cold

          No problems withstanding the cold. The Greenland Dog has a thick, double coat that keeps them warm. It’s also windproof and waterproof. 

          Tendency to put on weight

          No issues with unwanted weight gain or obesity.

          Common illnesses

          Leave a comment on this breed
          Connect to comment